Xu Xing: Apology for No Reason
Beijing-based writer Xu Xing (徐星) wrote the following post on his Xintianyou blog, translated by CDT:
I had coffee with two foreign colleagues. We naturally talked about the Olympics. They asked me, with smiles on their faces, about the fake singing child at the Opening Ceremony. They asked me whether it is true. I could tell that they were not mocking it. It was a very cautious smile. I could tell that they did not want to offend me with this question. I said from what I saw on the news that’s what it is. It is probably true. Then there was a long silence. Abruptly I said, “I am sorry……”
I thought about this afterwards: Why did I say “I am sorry?” Why should I say that? Who the f–k do I think I am?
POSTED COMMENTS: One Response
I can understand why you apologized. It’s human nature to think of ourselves as representatives of our country when we interact with foreigners. One’s country of origin provides part of his identity, so it’s natural for him, when talking with foreigners, to feel a bit responsible for things his country does.
Nonetheless, I get your point, and it shows that we human being are laughable, silly creatures in some ways.